Summary Box: Boeing beats analysts' forecasts

BY THE NUMBERS: Boeing Co. reported that first-quarter net income jumped by 58 percent. The company's commercial airplane business posted a 54 percent increase in revenue, and deliveries rose 32 percent.

DEFENSIVE PLAY: Boeing's defense and space division grew more slowly, but it got a boost as revenue came in sooner than expected from sales of F-15 fighters to Saudi Arabia.

CAUTIOUS OUTLOOK: Boeing raised its forecast of 2012 earnings slightly, but only because of a smaller set-aside for litigation. Analysts said the company's outlook could be conservative if the commercial airplane side of the business continues to perform well.